Westminster Has Familiar Foe

GAINESVILLE -- A year ago Westminster Academy halted Jacksonville University Christian`s bid to become the first Class 1A team to win four state football championships.

Jacksonville had captured trophies in 1973, 1987 and 1989.

Jacksonville easily won its district a year ago, along with a regional title and returned to the state final to defend its 1989 title. Westminster, underdog in the meeting, stunned the Fighting Christians 6-3.

``I have gone over that game 100 times,`` said Jacksonville coach Robby Pruitt. ``That Westminster team wanted it more than we did. Those players were hungry, we were not. We were a good offensive ballclub and we could not score a touchdown against them. That weighs on our our minds this year.``

The Fighting Christians (10-1) will have another chance today as the same teams meet at 3 p.m. for the Class 1A championship.

This year`s game will be played on Florida Field. A Class 2A championship between unbeaten Monticello Jefferson (12-0) and Frostproof (11-1) is at 7:30 p.m.

Jacksonville University Christian is just as strong offensively as last year. It has rolled up 364 points, while giving up 106. In 11 games it has averaged 277 yards on the ground.

-- WHEN WESTMINSTER HAS THE BALL: The Lions will try to defend the title they won a year ago by relying on the passing of senior quarterback Dan Kanell (21 TDs) and the all-around play of sophomore running back/defensive back Nick Butler (25 TDs, 1,225 yards rushing, 336 receiving). The offensive line, led by Morris Gallion at center and Pat Frost and Sam Robins at tackles, has steadily improved. Pass receivers Akiva McClam (35 catches) and Lamont Wesley (18 catches) are as tough as last year. The Lions have been playing well since losing to 2A Westminster Christian. They tore up Hollywood Christian 41-14 to win the region and played very tough defensively in 16-7 semifinal win over a good Vero Beach St. Edwards team.

-- WHEN UNIVERSITY CHRISTIAN HAS THE BALL: This team has been able to overpower everyone this season except in 34-14 loss to Georgia power Charlton County. Big line, led by 270-pound Larry Wright and 260-pound Elijah Brown, has been able to spring senior Rodney Dreary free for close to 1,100 yards and freshman Mike Curry for 700. Quarterback was a problem a year ago and still is, even with sophomore newcomer Jacky Seppala. He has thrown for 9 TDs (43 for 93, 812 yards). Passing is not a strength. Have not been able to generate much offense in playoffs, beating Lafayette Mayo 19-14 in region and Greensboro 12-6 in semifinal round. Lions and Christians have had one common opponent Clearwater Central Catholic. Westminster won 35-0, University Christian won 51-6.

-- KEY TO WIN: Receiving of McClam and Wesley, the field position Butler can give Lions on kick returns and how well the defensive unit performs. Kicking of Kanell may also be a factor.

-- RADIO: WAFG-FM (90.3) will update scores from 4 p.m. on.

ROAD TO THE CHAMPIONSHIP

Westminster Academy (9-2) plays Jacksonville University Christian (10-1) at 3 p.m. today at Florida Field in Gainesville for the 1A state football title:

-- Pine Crest 21, Westminster Academy 12

The Lions were mistake-prone in their season opener against Class 2A Pine Crest, making five turnovers and giving up an 80-yard kickoff return for a score. The Lions trailed 14-0 in the first quarter and 21-0 at the half before Dan Kanell threw 6- and 30-yard touchdown passes in the second half. The Lions came up short on three other second-half scoring opportunities. Three times they got inside the 20-yard line, but lost the ball twice on fumbles and once on downs.

-- Westminster Academy 14, North Palm Beach Benjamin 10

Sophomore Nick Butler scored from the 1 with 46 seconds remaining to give the Lions a come-from-behind district win, the touchdown capping a 71-yard drive. Kanell passed for 185 yards, Lamont Wesley making two catches for 101 yards.

-- Westminster Academy 45, Miami Country Day 14

Kanell`s passing arm came alive as he completed 7 of 9 passes, four going for touchdowns. Reserve quarterback Jon Dando also threw for two scores, Akiva McClam catching three for scores. The defense also played a strong game, intercepting five passes.